ElleD9

Hi,

Planning our first visit to HI in early September (myself, husband and daughter (early 20s). We will be spending 9 nights and splitting our stay between Oahu and either Maui or the Big Island. Looking forward to lots of sightseeing and activities on Oahu - Pearl Harbor, surf lessons, exploring chinatown, driving out to the north shore (and for DD, shopping and seeing any of the locations where LOST filmed).

For the second island, we know it will be more relaxing and we are trying to decide between Maui v. the Big Island. Deciding factor may come down to better snorkeling, as it is an activity we all enjoy. We're interested in both off shore experiences, where you can just wade in from the beach, as well as boat excursions (eg Molokini crater). I have 3 different guidebooks but am having a hard time determining which island would be better for this in early September. I humbly turn to fellow Fodorites for your opinions.

Thanks for any insights you can provide.

sylvia3

Tough issue; both can be spectacular. Maui has shorter distances between snorkel sites (like sites all along the west coast), and maybe easier access, and the bay at Honolua is spectacular. On the BI, a boat or kayak tour to "Captain Cook" will reward with spectacular snorkeling, and incredible water clarity; the beach at Mauna Kea can have wonderful snorkeling on either side, but better get there early, as public parking is limited.

Uma

I'm not much of an in the water person, but my husband would say that the Big Island definitely had better snorkelling.

martym

My husband says there is great snorkeling on the BI--here are some websites to check out

Kahaluu Beach Park--on Alii Drive in Kailua Kona--tends to be crowded on weekends--ttp://www.letsgo-hawaii.com/beaches/kahaluu.html

Honaunau Bay (Two Step)--clear water, usually calm--go in the morning http://www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com...norkeling.html

Waiopae Tidepools if you’re on the east side of the BI--my husband says--the pools have the best coral http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/bi...ng-kapoho.html

Kealakekua Bay--a couple of places to put in in the village of Napoopoo--Manini Beach and Napoopoo Beach--(there was some damage from the March tsunami--don’t know if it’s all cleaned up yet)--http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/coral/mlcd_kealakekua.html

Fair Wind Cruises--http://www.fair-wind.com/ Lots of people like these

zornica

Thanks for the info martym

wbpiii

I've snorkeled both islands. Hands down, the BI is much better because it is geologically younger. Martym has a very good list.

I would add beach 69 at Puako, hike down the beach and swim around the little rock island. Go early. Also, in the Muana Lani Resort, swim from the boathouse beach. I just spent 8 days there and I was very impressed. Excellent water.
Kona Village has great water around the black sand beach but as of three weeks ago the State had closed its beaches because of the tsunami.

I also recommend the fairwind cruise to cook's monument.

bill

Davethecat65

The number of places on the BI are fairly limited, and others have given a good description of those. Capt. Cook's in particular is very clear, good snorkeling (I agree with the recommendation of Fairwind). But for me, the number of places on Maui, primarily west/north of Ka'anapali and from Kihei south, especially with very easy access to the snorkeling in most places, makes Maui my choice. Most of those places can be found in Maui Revealed.

All of this is predicated on similar conditions on both islands.

Placename

Hawaii may have better snorkeling, but most of it is lava entry which can be difficult in rough conditions. Maui has decent snorkeling and more beach entry. Maui also has more beaches that are more accessible, so I would chose Maui.

sylvia3

Yup; several places listed for BI can involve problematic parking and/or entry (meaning surging water or tricky access through rocks).

wbpiii

The reason the water is clearer on the BI is because of the lava and the lack of sand. If you want beaches and snorkeling Maui. If you want snorkeling BI.

ElleD9

Thank you all for very helpful feedback. Personally, I am leaning toward the BI, but will share your thoughts with the home team and put it to a vote this weekend.

BillJ

We have not been to Maui in many years, so can't comment. But, we just returned from BI and I can tell you that some of the best snorkeling we have had is surprisingly at Kahalu'u Beach, a few miles south of Kona in Ali'i Drive. It is crowded, but once past the confined entry point, it spreads out pretty good. There is a great current coming through there, keeping the water fresh. The fish are plentiful and don't seem much bothered by the people. Plenty of Moorish Idols, Humuhumunukunukuapua'a (state fish), lots of turtles oblivious to people. Tangs, parrots, etc. Lots of fish. Water depth ranges from 1 feet to 8-10 feet. Be careful of the shallower coral croppings.
Kahalu'u has nice covered area for picnics when not being used by a large group. A food truck is on site. Showers and changing rooms. Parking was not a problem for us, we went there about 5 of our 7 days there.
The beach at the city of refuge, Puuhonua O Honaunau, is called 2 Step. Entry can be tricky, cause there is actually no beach. You are entering on a lava flow, that was uplifted a few years ago. But once out there, wow. Be prepared for pods of dolphin about 1/4 mile out. They are wonderful. Ask a local about where to enter. Really not too difficult. It's actually 2 steps and your in. They played with us for about a half an hour.
Take a boat trip over to Captain Cooks monument from the Kona area. The only way to get to the monument area. Snorkeling there is in shallow and very deep water. There are plenty of boat services, small (8 passengers) to larger boats with meals. We used the small one, very happy with it.
For a real thrill, try the night time snorkel trip with the feeding mantas. We did not do this, cause we were worried about our 9 yr old. Reports say it is pretty awesome, and can be scary, especially for the littler ones.
We were surprised and very happy with our snorkeling on BI. Have fun!